Target launches emerging designer award for Canadian foray

Target, Groupe Sensation Mode and Fondation de la mode de Montréal announced the creation of the Target Emerging Designer Award. This unique program provides an up-and-coming designer with a $25,000 grant and the opportunity to create an exclusive collection that will be sold at Target stores throughout Quebec.

The Target Emerging Designer Award is linked to the Designers Fund, a joint initiative of Groupe Sensation Mode and Fondation de la mode de Montréal. The monetary award will be used by the recipient to produce a full-scale fashion show at Montreal Fashion Week, a decisive step for emerging designers looking to kick-start their career in fashion.

This announcement was made at a Target event during Montréal Fashion Week in the presence of John Morioka, senior vice president, Merchandising, Target Canada, Pierre Bovet, chairman of the Foundation’s board, and Jean-François Daviau and Chantal Durivage, co-presidents of Groupe Sensation Mode.

“Target is proud to invest in the future of local designers and looks forward to a long-term relationship with Montreal’s fashion community,” stated John Morioka, senior vice president, Merchandising, Target. “This initiative reflects Target’s commitment to great design and to making a difference in the communities in which we do business.”

“Target’s program fits perfectly with our objective of partnering with key players in the industry,” noted Pierre Bovet, chairman of the board, Fondation de la mode de Montréal. “From the outset, it was clear to us that Target wanted to be involved in a unique and positive manner with Montréal’s creative community. We are particularly pleased with Target’s commitment, which supports up-and-coming designers by leveraging its impressive infrastructure to promote local talents.”

“Target is the first company to contribute a grant to the Designers Fund, which we created in 2010 with the collaboration of Fondation de la mode de Montréal,” explained Jean-François Daviau, co-president, Groupe Sensation Mode. “We have been working with the Foundation and Target for some time and are delighted with the company’s support. We are extremely pleased to see this initiative come to life.”

Fondation de la mode de Montréal will be working with a panel of experts, including a representative from Target, to select the recipient of the Target Emerging Designer Award.  More details on the program and how to submit an application will be communicated at a later date.